steering BUICK CENTURY 1993 Owner's Manual

8. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure
the
arrows on the pressure
cap line up like this.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air
goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But
if you should ever have a “blowout:’ here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip
the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a
stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a skid.
In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle
to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If your tire goes flat; the next section shows how to use
your jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage ~y
driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your hazard
warning flashers.
A CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over you
or other people. You and they could be badly injured. Find a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in “P” (Park).
3. Turn off the engine.
CAUTION (Continued)
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If You’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
What you don’t want to do when your vehicle is stuck is
to spin your wheels. The method known as “rocking”
can help you get out when you’re stuck, but
you must use
caution.
wneels can destr
If you let your tires spln at high spe& they
can aplode and you or others could be
Injured. And, the,transaxle or other parts of
the vehicle can &wheat. That could muse an
engine compartment fire or other damage.
When you’re stuck, spin the wheels 88 lltek adc
-pssSble. Don’t spln the whwls above 35 mph
(55 Wh) as shown on the speedometer.
Rocking your vehicle to get it out:
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your fiont wheels. Then
shift back
and forth between
“R” (Reverse) and a forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
accelerator
pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the
accelerator
pedal when the transaxle is in gear. If that
doesn’t get you out after a few tries, you may need to be
towed out.
If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing
Your Buick”
in the Index.
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.
n
Part 6 Service and Appearance Care
. .
Here you will find information about the care of your Buick . This part begins with service and fuel information.
and then
it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels . There is also technical information about
your vehicle. and a section devoted to
its appearance care .
Part 6 includes:
Service ........................................................................\
..... 222
Fuel ........................................................................\
...... 223
HoodRelease ....................................................................... \
226
Engine Oil ........................................................................\
. 227
Aircleaner ........................................................................\
2.3
TransaxleFluid ..................................................................... 236
Enginecoolant ..................................................................... 239
Power Steering Fluid ................................................................. 241
Windshield Washer Fluid .............................................................. 242
Brakes ........................................................................\
.... 243
Battery ........................................................................\
.... 244
BulbReplacement ................................................................... 245
Tires ........................................................................\
...... 251
Loadingyourvehicle ................................................................. 249
Appearancecare .................................................................... 258
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Add-on Electrical Equipment ............................ 265
Capacities and Specifications .......................................................... -270
Fuses&CircuitBreakers .............................................................. 266
ReplacementBulbs .................................................................... 269
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Radiator Pressure Cap
ur radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa)
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When you replace
your thermostat, an AC@ thermostat is
recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
mp ”-- How to Check Power
Steering Fluid:
I Unscrew the cap and wipe
the dipstick with a clean f rag. Replace the cap and
completely tighten it. Then
remove the cap again and
look at the fluid level on the
dipstick. .1,. ,,
When me engine compartment is hot, the level should
When the engine compartment is cool, the level should
be at the “H” (Hot) mark.
be at the “C” (Cold) mark.
What to Add:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
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When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
,- . ,.
Windshield Washer Fluid
To Add:
The windshield washer reservoir is located at the driver’s
side
of the engine compartment. The rear window washer fluid reservoir (for the wagon)
is the smaller
reservoir next
to the coolant recovery tank.
Open the cap labeled “WASHER FLUID ONLY? Add
washer fluid until the bottle
is full.
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Automatic Tkansaxle Capacity
3T40 (3-Speed) :
Pan Removal and Replacement. ....................................
After Complete Overhaul. ........................................
Pan Removal and Replacement. ....................................
After Complete Overhaul. ........................................
4T60 (4-Speed):
Power Steering
PumpOnly .....................................................
Complete System. ................................................
Maintenance Item part Numbers3
Air Cleaner
Oil Filter
. .
PCV Valve .
Spark Plug .
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
.....................................................
4 Quarts
7 Quarts
6 Quarts
8 Quarts
1 Pint
1.6 Pints
3.8 Liters
6.6 Liters
5.7 Liters
7.6 Liters
0.5 Liters
0.75 Liters
M4C PF47
CV899C
041-600, Gap
0.060 It (1.52 m)
Part numbers are AC type.
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Automatic Transaxle Capacity
3T40 (3-Speed): Pan Removal and Replacement.
.................................... 4 Quarts
After Complete Overhaul.
........................................ 7 Quarts
Power Steering
PumpOnly ..................................................... 1Pint
Complete System
................................................. 1.7 Pints 3.8 Liters
6.6 Liters
0.47 Liters
0.82 Liters
Maintenance Item Part Numbers3
Aircleaner ..................................................... A905C
OilFilter
;...................................................... PF47
PCVValve
...................................................... CV9OOC .
Spark Plug ...................................................... *R44LTSMA, Gap 0.045 " (1.14 mm)
Part numbers are AC type.
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Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule II.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section
D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
1 Engine Oil and Filter Change-Always use
SG Energy Conserving 11 oils of proper viscosity.
The “SG” designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as ‘‘SG/CC:’
“SG/CD” or “SF, SG, CC:’ etc.
To determine the preferred viscosity for your
vehicle’s engine (e.g., SAE
5W-30 or SAE
10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in the Index.
2 Chassis Lubrication-Lubricate the transaxle
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides,
underbody contact points and linkage. If your
vehicle is equipped with grease fittings, lubricate
the suspension and steering linkage. these. All parts should be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
ITEM
NO. SERVICE
3 Throttle Body Mounting Bolt Torque (3300 V6
Code N Engine Only)*-Check the,torque of
the mounting bolts and/or nuts.
4 Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection-For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your
tires following the instructions
in this manual.
See “Tires, Inspection & Rotation” in the Index.
Check the tires for uneven wear or damage. If
you see irregular or premature wear, check the
wheel alignment. Check for damaged wheels also.’
*An Emission Control Service.
~2 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the.emission warranty
or limit recall liability prior
to the completion of vehicle useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in “Section E: Maintenance Record.”
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CHECK
OR SERVICE WHAT TO DO
Steering Column While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to “LOCK’ in each shift
Lock lever position.
The key should turn to “LOCK’ only when the shift lever is in “P” (Park).
The key should come out only in “LOCK.”
Parking Brake and
Automatic Transaxle
“P” (Park) Mechanism
Check
Underbody Flushing
/t! CAUTION:
When you are doing this chick, your vehicle could begin to mow. Mu or
others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of your vehicle In case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
-gular
bWe at wce ahauld +he vehicle hmnin +* m-
Park on a 1 ply steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot\
on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake: With the engine running and transaxle in “N” (Neutral),
---
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held
by the parking brake only.
all brakes.
To check the “P” (Park) mechanism’s holding ability: Shift to “P” (Park). Then release
At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from
the underbody.
Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can \
collect.
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Section C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least\
twice a year (for instance, each spring
and M1). You should let your
GM dealer’s service department or other qualified service center do these jobs. Make
sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
INSPECTION
OR SERVICE
Steering, Suspension
and Front-Wheel- Drive Axle Boot and
Seal Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
~~~~ ~~
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for \
damaged, loose or missing
parts, signs of wear, or lack
of lubrication. Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for
proper hookup, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and \
then inspect the drive axle
boot
seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace seals if necessary.
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body near the \
exhaust system. Look for
broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as op\
en seams, holes, loose
connections, or other conditions which could cause a heat build\
-up in the
floor pan or could
let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See “Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Inspect the throttle linkage for interference or binding, and f\
or damaged or missing parts.
Replace parts as needed.
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